Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment Lawyer - Orlando, Jacksonville, All Florida

Sexual Harassment is defined under Federal law by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). It is a type of discrimination that is based on sex. Title VII makes such harassment illegal. All employers with 15 or more employees must comply with Title VII. This includes employment agencies, labor unions and state and local governments. Sexual harassment laws can be enforced by individuals in Court through a private attorney after receiving a right-to-sue notice from the Equal Opportunity Commission, commonly referred to as the EEOC or by the EEOC itself.

The law recognizes two types of sexual harassment:

Quid pro quo harassment — when sexual favors are demanded by a supervisor or manager as a condition of employment. Under this form of harassment, a Plaintiff generally needs to establish that there were sexual advances that were unwanted and unconsented to. The advances need to be from a supervisor or someone higher up in the chain of command than the victim. If the perpetrator is not higher in the chain of command, not a supervisor or not the victim’s supervisor, the victim needs to show that the supervisors or individuals that are managing agents of the employer were aware of the harassment, should have known of the harassment or were not careful about who they hire. The victim also needs to show that the victim’s refusal to be subjected to this abuse resulted in what the law cause adverse employment action such as not getting coveted work assignments, not getting benefits at work, demotions or termination.

Hostile work environment — when an employer knowingly allows a hostile, offensive, oppressive or intimidating work environment based on sex to continue, and which adversely affects an employee's ability to work. The victim in hostile environment harassment needs to establish that the Supervisors or managing agents of the employer were aware of the sexual harassment or Hostile Environment or should have known about the inappropriate working conditions. The victim’s suffering in these cases does NOT need to include the loss of any employment benefits or the loss of a job.

The vast majority of harassment victims are women, but men can suffer the effects of these behaviors, too.

What You Need to Do

Often, an employee is afraid to notify an employer of the harassment for fear of termination or retaliation. However, you should not hesitate to notify your supervisor or human resources department of the harassment. Your employer must have an opportunity to address the issue. If you need advice notifying your employer of the offending conduct, you can contact Christopher A. Pace, P.A. If the employer fails to take action or if the offending behavior continues, you may be entitled to compensation.

To schedule an appointment with an experienced Orlando sexual harassment lawyer and Jacksonville sexual harassment lawyer, please call (407) 872-0600 or email your legal issue. Located in Orlando, Florida, Christopher A. Pace serves all of Florida, North Florida, and Central Florida, including Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Lake Mary, Kissimmee, Windermere, Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Winter Garden, as well as Orange County, Brevard County, Osceola County, Citrus County, Lake County, Volusia County and Seminole County, Florida.